speaking

August '09 Newsletter

Dear Friends, Greetings in the Lord!  Over the past months we have been very busy, working in Colombia and Ecuador, and our journeys are full of many testimonies.  We are so grateful to each of you for your prayers, as it has kept us going and protected us in every way.

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Most recently, in Colombia, we have once again entered the front lines of the drug war and been witnesses of this evil industry.  Some might ask, "How does the drug trade and those areas relate to the work of the gospel?"  The answer for us is much like the statement the Apostle Paul said in Romans 15:20-21, "And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation; but as it is written, "THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND."  You see, our mission is to preach Christ where He has not been named and to areas deemed to difficult to reach.  The jungles and valleys where coca farmers and narcotics traffickers live and conduct their trade are just such places.  We look at those areas and imagine what would happen if a revival broke out!  But how can they hear without a preacher?  This is why we go.  We want to tread where no one has gone before and deliver the message of the Gospel to those who have not heard.

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So with that, for the past weeks we have been actively traveling with the Colombian anti-narcotics police to some of the most dangerous states across the country.  FARC rebel activity has been high in every area we have set foot, but praise God we have been protected and suffered no injury or kidnapping.  This is due to your prayers, and as you pray doors have been opened for so much more.  We have been on medical missions and urban outreaches and we know that the drug war can be overcome.  Your support in this is vital as it allows us to reach people in need and make a lasting impact.

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Now, as we continue the same theme of Romans 15:20-21, we are preparing an expedition to traverse the entire continent of South America via the Amazon to its mouth on the Atlantic coast of Brazil.  We are calling this expedition, "Out of the Belly."  For we believe, like John 7:38 says, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." This mission is metaphorically the same.  We believe that from the belly of the Amazon, as Christ is preached, it shall flow rivers of living water and souls that praise the name of Jesus.  Praise God we believe it!

This expedition will include many river journeys and unreached work.  Our goal will be to effectively reach remote people groups, coca farmers, and loggers along the mighty river.  We will be joined by a full time interpreter and we will need to hire guides, boats, gear, and assist local ministers to help us in this effort.  We will float, trek the jungles, and take any means of transport to reach those who haven't been reached before.  It will be a daunting journey, but a necessary one, as it might be the only opportunity some will have to hear the gospel.

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Our estimated time of this journey will total more than two months and cost roughly $8300.  We sincerely and prayerfully ask you to join with us in this journey.  No matter large or small, whatever you can do to support this expedition will be treasured.  Your monthly and one-time gifts are needed above and beyond, but we know together we can achieve great things for the Kingdom of Heaven.  Let us attempt to complete the great commission and say to the Lord we have given our best effort.  Thank you and you are with us always!  May the Peace of the Lord be with you!

In Him,

Tim and Will